Homeless veterans provided services at Hampton

More than 300 homeless vets turned out

HAMPTON – They served their country for years, in Vietnam, Iraq and other war-engulfed regions.

On Saturday, more than 300 homeless veterans got served hot lunches at the Y.H. Thomas Community Center in Hampton. It was all part of the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, an event where homeless veterans could also get showers, haircuts, new coats, boots, haircuts and new toiletries.

"Those who showed up – that's just the tip of the iceberg," said Fletcher Walker, senior vice commander for Hampton chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Veterans were bused over from homeless shelters and the Veterans Hospital; others who showed up had been sleeping in their cars.

A veteran and barber, Michael Bolton, estimates he gave about 40 haircuts throughout the day.

"It's nice to be able to give back to the guys who laid their lives on the line for us," said Bolton.

The DAV, which partnered with the city of Hampton to sponsor the event, plana to make the Stand Down an annual event.